A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV)

A recent study out of Brazil confirms the main message of a Bible verse written nearly 2,500 years ago, that laughter is good for your health.

The study conducted by Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre followed 26 patients with an average age of 63 who had been diagnosed with heart disease, Fox News reports.

Half of them were told to watch a two-hour comedy show once a week, while the other half watched what was described as ‘neutral documentaries.’

The study found that those who watched the comedy shows had:

• A 10% increase in oxygen flow,
• Larger, more expanded arteries, and
• Reduced inflammation of the heart.

The researchers concluded that ‘laughter therapy’ may expand the heart tissue, which in turn increases the oxygen flow in the body reducing the risk of heart issues.

“Although this study was small, it is consistent with other research we have seen showing that laughter improves levels of stress hormones and immune function,” said Dr. Heather Sandison in an interview with Fox News.

READ: ‘Laughter therapy’ is shown to reduce heart disease risk in Brazilian study: ‘Exciting to see’